Shocking increase in Watford unemployed

9.39.00am GMT Thu 12th Feb 2009

Parliamentary candidate Sal Brinton is demanding Government assistance to small businesses in order to cut Watford's levels of unemployment

The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in the Watford constituency rose in December by 476 to 1496, the highest level since 1997.

Sal Brinton, Watford Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate said "This is a shocking 45% increase from the end of October, with close to 500 individuals and their families facing a very difficult time. Although unemployment in the Watford area in below the average for the UK, this huge increase is worrying, and the trend is still upwards. And below average figures don't make it any better for anyone who has lost their job.

"Small businesses are going to be vital to any recovery - they're the real engines of employment. More people have jobs in small companies than in medium-sized or large companies. It's essential that the Government don't forget small businesses in their recovery plan. The top priority is to get get banks lending again: to small business as well as larger ones."

Details of local unemployment figures can be seen at:

https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/pca/2030043209/subreports/jsa_time_series/report.aspx